House fire leads police to marijuana grow-op

A 30-year-old London man is facing several drug-related charges after a small grow-op was discovered during a fire call on Princess Avenue.

On Wednesday (Feb. 22), at 3:15 p.m., the London Police Service, along with the London Fire Department, attended to a house fire at 415 Princess Ave. While extinguishing the fire a small marijuana grow-operation was discovered. The fire resulted in about $50,000 damage.

The occupant of the residence was taken to Victoria Hospital by EMS and is in serious condition.

The following day, at 12:15 p.m., members of the London Police Guns and Drugs Section, consisting of members of the London police and RCMP, executed a search warrant at that same address. The home contained a hydroponic grow operation containing 31 plants at various stages of growth, valued at $31,000. Police also seized 32 grams of marijuana bud, valued at $320.

The investigation is on-going and further arson by negligence and production of cannabis resin charges are expected at the conclusion of the Fire Marshals investigation.

None of these charges has be proven in a court of law.

If anyone has any information that may help this investigation they are asked to call the London Police Service at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in on-line anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.